Cellular Dynamics makes hire to prepare for stem cell therapies

Cellular Dynamics International Inc., a Madison company at the forefront of making human cells that might someday be used to help cure disease, has hired an executive to lead its cell manufacturing.

Derek Hei is CDI’s new vice president of clinical manufacture, quality and regulatory activities, the company said. Hei was previously director of Waisman Biomanufacturing, a facility at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he established biotherapeutics and cell therapy contract manufacturing.

“We want to put people on notice that we’re going to treat patients and cure patients,” said Chris Parker, executive vice president and chief business officer.